LA Rams: Speedy Rookie DB Robert Rochell slowed by injury

Showing up in a big way

One of the key requirements for Central Arkansas defensive back Robert Rochell was to prove to the LA Rams coaching staff that he may have emerged from a small school football program, but he is every bit large enough in terms of skillsets and mindset for this NFL opportunity.

Los Angeles Rams

He had everything that NFL teams sought in a defensive back, with the exception of a pedigree. That “SEC-approved” stamp of big-time NCAA football competition that so many NFL teams leaned into throughout the 2021 NFL Draft. Conversely, the LA Rams seek football talent from any school, from any sized college football program.  Robert Rochell’s NFL Draft Profile described a young man of nearly limitless potential who was just a shy bit raw in technique.

The LA Rams have found him to be a bit more polished than all that. In fact, the rookie prospect who arrived at the LA Rams Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and Training Camp so far has been every bit the talented and prepared young man that the Rams hoped he might be. There is no part of the NFL that is too large, too important, too much spotlight for this young man.

He is human, yes. He makes an occasional mental mistake, absolutely. But he gets back up, dusts himself off, and gets set for the next play. Oh, yes. He makes superb plays too, for those who have already begun to doubt his ability to succeed in the NFL.

Well, what’s the point of this article? Yeah, you are already looking for the other shoe to drop, aren’t you?  You see, Bobby Brown was not the only rookie injured.  Once more, the unthinkable happened for a fourth time to rookies this year. Robert Rochell injured his wrist and will undergo surgery as well.